Since 1972, Cairns School of Distance Education has established a proud tradition of providing quality teaching and learning to our families and partner schools, wherever they are situated, whatever their needs are.
Our school uses diverse modes of instruction to support Cairns SDE students to learn the Australian Curriculum and Queensland Certificate of Education courses, ensuring all our students have a meaningful pathway to employment, further education or training. The Cairns SDE approach to high quality learning experiences that support our students to embrace a world of life opportunities is encapsulated in our motto of Global Learning. We strive to ensure that we uphold our school values of:
- Productive partnerships based on respect, safety and learning
- Wellbeing of all
![]()
- Open communication
- Community engagement
- Flexible, individualised learning
- High expectations
As well as our full-time students, we also support students at Queensland State and non-Government schools by offering subjects to supplement their students' learning opportunities. In partnership with the Queensland Virtual Academy, we strive to find new innovations to support all Queensland State Schools to best support their students and staff.
By making our subjects available to school-based students, we provide high quality programs to students who transfer between schools and where available subjects differ, or where a specific subject cannot be offered due to timetabling and/or small class numbers. Our comprehensive course overviews can be found on our website.
Cairns School of Distance Education is proud of the teaching and the learning programs that we provide. Our curriculum is at a national standard through the development of the Australian Curriculum learning materials and the Queensland Certificate of Education. We have a focus on the holistic development of our students through our wellbeing strategy. Our staff members are highly trained professionals who deliver an outstanding service to our students and home tutors. Our method of teaching and learning allows for a unique learning experience that sets students up for success in further education and training.
Welcome to the Cairns School of Distance Education website. I trust that you will be able to find the details and information that you require.
Kind regards,
Rob O'Brien
Principal